Page 10 of Cutter

“And you think this Cutter guy is going to help?” Yoanni asked. “Why would you trust a member of an outlaw MC?”

“Because he’s not your average outlaw biker. Do you know he took the blame for the fight at the warehouse? Who does that? The prelim evidence pointed to Blade, the MC president. Plus, the leadership position made Blade the likely instigator and organizer of the fight. But Cutter denied all that, and when he confessed, despite Blade’s arguments, we had no choice but to take him in.”

“I had no idea.”

Emily nodded. “As it turns out, the department and the DA were hasty to convict. Later on, irrefutable evidence was presented that he was innocent of the charges and had confessed to a crime he didn’t commit. Can you imagine such loyalty? That makes Cutter a very special person in my book. And just today, he tried to save the life of the clerk at the convenience store. In my heart, I know he’s an honorable man who hasn’t had a good break in life.”

“Did you ever figure out why he stepped in for his friend?”

“Not then. We questioned him at the station, but he wouldn’t budge. If he agrees to work with me, I may be able to find out. Meanwhile, that’s where you come in.”

Me?Yoanni mouthed, pressing a finger to her chest.

“Secrecy is essential for this investigation to work.” Emily reached across the table and grasped Yoanni’s free hand. “No one in the station knows about it except Captain Weaver, and now you. Besides the captain, you’re the only person I trust with this information. The other detectives don’t know because, for starters, they hate my guts, and for seconds, they would try to push me out and take over the investigation. My failure would please them no end. And worse, if word gets out, Cutter’s life would be in danger.”

“What do you need from me?”

“Say Cutter agrees to go undercover…” Emily paused and lowered her voice to a whisper. “So far, he and I have tentatively agreed to communicate via my personal cell phone or meet at my place. But should anything go wrong, like…a threat to his life, and for whatever reason he couldn’t get a hold of me, calling the station is a no-go. He’ll need a second emergency contact.”

“Makes sense.”

“May I give him your phone number?”

Yoanni frowned. Emily had expected a little resistance. Still, she pressed her case. “I’ll make sure he understands your number is for emergencies and when all other avenues are closed to him. Heaven forbid. If the operation goes according to plan, he’ll never have to use it.”

“I understand. You’re covering every base and possibility. I’ll be his last resort. I won’t breathe a word to anyone.” Yoanni made a gesture of zipping her mouth closed.

“I know you wouldn’t.”

“Emily, I hope you don’t misunderstand my question. I’ll help you with anything, you know that. Why designate me as an emergency contact and not the captain?”

“Captain Weaver and I went through everything.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “He’s not a good option because he’s kept an open-door policy since his promotion. People barelyknock at the captain’s door before barging in. He has little privacy and too many unwanted listeners when messages and calls come in. An abrupt change in policy and behavior would attract attention. You know how cops are. Doesn’t take much to raise their hackles. We can’t afford the slightest mistake. Since your office is outside his, and you’re a civilian, he thinks like I do. Your exposure to danger is negligible, and no one will suspect your involvement. He trusts you, same as I do.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence. Give Cutter my cell phone number.”

Emily smiled. “Thanks, doll. You’re a life saver. And like I said, the emergency has to be extreme.”

“All right, all right. I said yes.” Yoanni lifted her mug for a sip. “Now that you’ve enlisted me, what else is in the plans?”

“Well.” Emily exhaled. “I’ve been thinking. Instead of sitting around waiting for Cutter’s response, I’m going to drive over to Pooler. I’d like to check out where the Chaos MC likes to hang out.”

“You mean, scope out a biker bar?” Yoanni’s eyes went wide. “That sounds like fun. Will you take me?”

“Hold on, girl. I only want to scope the area.” Emily arched an eyebrow. “See what’s what.”

“Oh, come on. That would be so cool.” Yoanni grinned.

“Captain would shoot me if anything happened to you. He has trouble tying his shoelaces without your help.”

Yoanni’s lips curved down. “Boo…meanie.”

Emily laughed. “You’re such a bratty Little. I’ll say this much… I’ll think about it. But no promises. Okay?”

“Okay.” Her shoulders slumping, Yoanni pouted.

Yoanni was usually a determined woman. That could have gone much worse.

Chapter Three

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